Climate change impacts in Sweden

In several northern hemisphere mountain systems, treelines have markedly shifted to higher elevations during the 20th century such as in the Scandes [1.3.5.2].

Northward expansion of Tick (Ixodes ricinus) due to increased temperature, between 1982-1996 [1.3.5.2].

An increase in Tick-born encephalitis since the mid-1980s is consistent with milder climate in this period, but other explanations cannot be ruled [1.3.7.1] English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) poleward shift of northern margin due to increasing winter temperatures [1.3.5.2].

Disappearance of some types of wetlands (palsa mires) in Lapland; increased species richness and frequency at altitudinal margin of plant life [Table 12.1].

Arctic and sub-arctic ecosystems (particularly ombrotrophic bog communities; a form of wetland) above permafrost were considered likely to be most vulnerable to climatic changes, since impacts may turn arctic regions from a net carbon sink to a net source [4.4.6].

Some crops that currently grow mostly in S. Europe (e.g. maize, sunflower and soybeans) will become more suitable further north or at higher altitude areas in the south. Projections for a range of scenarios show a 30 to 50% increase in suitable area for grain maize production in southern Sweden by the end of the 21st century [12.4.7.1].

Sveaskog’s ecological landscape plans take into consideration the protection
of High Conservation Value Forests, whose ecosystems house some of Sweden’s most threatened forest species.

WWF work

What WWF is doing on the ground in Sweden to protect against climate change:

WWF Sweden has drafted a vulnerability assessment proposal for the Baltic Sea Ecoregion and is currently working with local stakeholders and governments on integrating adaptation strategies in the region.